Lining helps to extend life of sewer pipe

A crew from a Michigan company was at work on S. Terrace St. installing a liner product inside underground waste pipes. The liner creates a permanant seal inside the pipes, extending their useful life and thus saving the expense and bother of replacement.

JANESVILLE  What it is? A cloud of steam billowing from the street probably means the city is lining sewer pipes.

The process, which extends the lives of the pipes, usually is done in winter months.

The city started the program in the late 1990s and over the years has lined 36 miles of sewer pipe. It focuses on older sections of pipe to slow deterioration. The lining strengthens pipes, Steve Sage, a city engineer, said.

What’s the progress: Three miles of pipe will be lined this winter.

The company last week was working on the city’s south side on Terrace Street. The lining process temporarily plugs sewer connections to individual properties, and property owners are asked to limit their use of water for eight to 10 hours.

People who will be affected this year already have been notified and will receive a second notice the day before work starts, Sage said.

The city works with businesses and schedules sewer work during non-business hours if needed, Sage said.

The company uses “trenchless technology” and is able to work through manholes rather than ripping up the streets. The lining material adheres to existing sewer main. The process often generates large amount of steam, so travelers should be wary.

This year’s contract with Utility Services Authority is about $700,000.

The cost of putting in new pipe would be about three times as much, Sage said. The lining process extends the life of pipes 50 to 75 years.

For more information, call the engineering department at (608) 755-3160.